Mini Update (35)

We seem to have finally broken free of the 90°+ heat wave, and just in time. I had been handling it pretty well, but I was reaching my breaking point. I'm definitely more comfortable now in the low 80°s as I get bigger.

Unfortunately, Felix has regressed in his potty training prowess. Oh, he still gets a gold medal in going #1 (so we've been telling him while watching the Olympics), but any progress he's made going #2 has completely reversed. I hope it clicks again before the baby comes.

Speaking of the baby, we took a "sibling tour" last night at the hospital. There were five other families with young children. The kids got to stamp their hands like the baby's feet get stamped and practice dressing and holding babies (lots of baby doll heads getting bonked on the table... and Felix kept poking his baby doll in the eyes). We took a look at the nursery (no babies), went into one of the suite-like family rooms (so much nicer than the last time!) and got to see a day-old baby. I don't think Felix knew babies were so noisy. The little boy we say made a lot of little noises, and Felix kept asking me if the baby was crying (no, not really). It was good for him to see how little, fragile, and noisy a real baby is. Hopefully there will be less shock and more acceptance when our baby comes.

The baby name debate continues. I thought we had our names nailed down at 20 weeks or so, but Nick has recently told me that he doesn't feel the same way about the names anymore. So we've been going back and forth on names. Actually, Nick's a world-class name killer, shooting down just about every name I've thrown out there. Argh. Just when we say "hey, that's not bad!", we sleep on it and decide... maybe not. We have some healthy contenders right now that I hope will stick around until this kid is born.

As for the baby, I hear its ankle or knee crack at least once a day. It's decidedly odd to hear a sharp *click* where there should be no clicking. The baby has dropped anad I officially waddle. Hiccups still occur daily. I haven't had much swelling like I did with Felix (yay? I kinda liked my Silly Putty ankles). And yes, I guess I make 'em small and carry 'em tight (so everybody comments).

Felix: 3 yrs

DEFCON 3? (34)

I had another OB check-up Tuesday. My doctor kind of frightened me into thinking that this kid may come sooner than we hope (which is early September). She talked about where to go if I go into labor (given the maternity ward is under a bit of construction), and noticed that the baby has dropped a bit (though it might have a really long torso like Felix - this kid is still butting up against my rib cage). She also asked me to come in again next week for a check-up/test instead of in two weeks. It just makes me feel like things are going to happen much quicker than we want - especially because I'd like this baby to get a little bit bigger than the 6 lb 4 oz that Felix was at birth. But it is definitely lighting a fire under us to get everything ready to go (bags packed, care for Felix on notice).

And with all that uncertainty, Nick informed me on Friday that the boy's name we have picked out just doesn't do much for him anymore. And this from the guy that doesn't like talking about names. Groan.  We're trying to come up with a back-up name, but nothing feels quite right. Why are girls' names so easy and boys' names so difficult?

There's a lot up in the air right now, but with any luck, it will stay that way for a while, at least until the end of the month.

After that, the time goes so fast...












Felix has had fun lately, going to a classmate's bouncy birthday bash and earning his potty training present. We're so proud of what he's done lately. Now if only he'd do a better job listening when we ask him to do things... then he'd earn the new race car he wants for the play mat. :o)











Felix also had his first dentist visit yesterday. He did great! He was also one of the few kids who chose mint as their flavor of choice, apparently.

Felix: 3 yrs

Adventures in Potty Training (33)

* warning - there be many references to #1 and #2 within... *

[7/19/12] We came to the realization that Felix wasn't going to be one of those kids who gives up using diapers on their own. He had been asking us to put a new diaper on him, even if we asked him to sit on the potty prior to him relieving himself. We'd tried pull ups (just makes a mess because they don't handle as much #1 as a normal diaper) and offering treats/presents/new undies, and his teachers have been trying extra hard at daycare, making him sit for long periods. They told us he was getting good about holding it for a long period, though. I think a few trips into loud, scary public restrooms and a toilet at home that makes unusual sounds have also made him less inclined to feel comfortable potty training.

So, on Tuesday, July 17th, we said no more diapers (except at night). The first day we sent him to daycare, he had mixed results (but some success was better than none!). The past couple days, we've caught him in the act of #1 or #2 and sat him down on the potty (again, with mixed success). He often doesn't want to sit and gets easily distracted. We've tried sitting him different ways on the toilet, using his small potty, pretending the toilet water is on fire and he needs to put it out, having him aim at paper or Os in the bowl... It's frustrating and difficult to maintain a positive atmosphere about it, because we don't want to make him feel guilty or make him less inclined to use the potty.

Story destined to embarrass Felix someday: Yesterday, his doctor mentioned letting run around outside naked to "water the plants" and encourage potty training. I did that when we got home from his appointment. Instead of #1(kept getting distracted by the bugs on the plants), he went #2 in the yard and decided to cover it with handfuls of hydrangea petals he pulled off the plants next to the deck. Silly monkey.

After dinner yesterday, we saw he was doing a little #1 dance. Cue another 20+ minute bout of trying to keep him on the toilet until he went. First I sat with him, then Nick. And then, Felix went #1! According to Felix, his bladder was finally full. We were so proud of him, and he looked so proud of himself. I hope that will encourage him to have more success. His friend's mom told me Felix made a point to inform her that he was wearing big boy underwear today. :o)

Update [7/22/12] - Felix has been doing GREAT at going #1! Yesterday (Saturday), he was dry all day, going #1 like a big boy (standing up) several times with no prompting. And yet, we had a few #2 mishaps. Argh. Well, not everything gets figured out at once. Also (and I still can't believe this), Felix woke up at 2:30 and again at 6:30 to go #1, and he was dry the entire night. I didn't think he figure that out so quickly. Awesome! Here you go, buddy, 4 M&Ms for your nocturnal efforts!

On the Kid 2 front, I had many Braxton-Hicks contractions yesterday and today doesn't feel any different. I swear, this feels like I'm having Felix all over again - lots of hiccups, lots of contractions, lots of kicking in one spot on my right side. I wasn't expecting things to be so similar the second time around. The baby's crowding out my diaphragm now, making breathing more challenging, driving uncomfortable, and finding a comfortable sleeping position that doesn't make my side ache difficult. But unlike with Felix, I'm not in any rush to meet this little one. With Felix, I was thinking "C'mon out!"; with this one, it's more "No, please stay in there until you HAVE to...". What a difference experience makes. :o)

(The neighbors are home, and their 3.5-year-old daughter Eve keeps pronouncing Felix's name "Fe-gah-licks")

Update [7/25/12] - I pretty much consider Felix potty trained in #1! Woo! He hasn't had an accident in about a week. And tonight, he "dropped the kids off at the pool" for the first time at home! We've been trying to train him to go to the bathroom when he feels he needs to go #2, and after a few false starts (and minor messes...), he went tonight! We made a big deal out of it, and he got 4 M&Ms. I love seeing his face light up when he realizes he can do it on his own.

Update 2 [7/30/12] - Felix earned his potty training present (a Cars 2 rug with play cars) on Sunday! He had to go without any more accidents, even at night, and have a few more successful #2s. He's either sleeping through the night or he's waking me up so that I can supervise his nighttime #1. We're so proud, and you can tell that he is, too!

Felix: 3 yrs

To Felix on His 3rd Birthday

Occasionally, I like to write Felix little letters that describe what he's like at a given age to put in his baby book. This is the one I wrote in honor of his 3rd birthday.

Dear Felix,

You're 3! Where did the years go? You've become an amazing little man (as much as you don't like being called that). You're inquisitive, stubborn, loving, funny, bright, generous, rambunctious, full of energy, constantly hungry, and very clever.

You love cars, trucks and airplanes. You pretend to put out fires and like "borrowing" cars with Papa. When we're driving, you're constantly asking "what's that kind of car?" and getting excited when you see big trucks. Judging by your current interests, you're either going to be a fireman or a truck driver someday. :o)

You like to involve others in what you're doing (saying "Mama!" constantly while playing), making "beer" during a bath, offering us nibbles of your snacks, and staying up late to "read" in bed. You're constantly surprising us with the new things you can do - counting in Spanish, singing new songs, you name it.

But you're not always on your best behavior. Throwing a chair in May got you moved into a new classroom with older kids, and now you're doing much better. We're going to have our hands full keeping you challenged since you pick up on things so quickly. Except for potty training - you have no interest in that. Hopefully things will click before the baby comes.

We know you're very excited to be a big brother. We hope you will continue to be loving and gentle when the baby arrives.

Felix, you've led us on quite an adventure these last 3 years. We're excited to see where you take us next. We love you so very much and are so very proud of you!

Love,
Mama and Papa

Felix: 3 yrs

T-minus 10... (30)

...Weeks to go, that is. Roughly. I'm not a big believer in due dates (Felix came 12 days early by the doc's reckoning, and 15 by mine). I'm just hoping the kid sticks in there until September 2nd so s/he gets the school year advantage. I'm getting comments more frequently on my size - it seems Felix stretched me out and Kid 2 is taking full advantage. :o) This picture is a comparison of me at 30 weeks with Felix and with this baby. Hitting the 30-week mark has been a wake-up call that we should probably get a few things together in case the baby decides to come earlier than we'd like. Better get that car seat and hospital bag ready...

We've had some ups and downs the past few weeks. We took a trip up to Green Bay/Marinette last weekend for a friend's wedding, and Felix got to spend extra time with Nana and Grandpa. This past weekend, we made an unexpected trip to Rapids to attend the funeral of our long-time neighbor Sue. It was tough to say goodbye, because she was like our grandma next door. I'll miss her. But we ended up having a very nice time with the whole family back in Rapids at once.

I think I've been handling the combined pregnancy and heat pretty well so far. I had a hunch that since I had a mild summer when I was pregnant with Felix, I would bear the brunt of a full Wisconsin summer. Not only has it been the heat (90°s again?!), but we have been sorely lacking in rain in Madison. Our lawn is nicely toasted now and in danger of being burnt. The only plus is that Nick hasn't had to mow it much in the past month.

We hope you're keeping cool as well!

Felix: 2.5 yrs

3rd Trimester (27)

I've made it to the 3rd Trimester! Woo! Things are going very well so far. No gestational diabetes, very few problems or irritating symptoms. Actually, it's uncanny how similar this pregnancy and baby is to Felix: hiccups multiple times a day, same area in belly where I don't feel much movement. This baby is pretty active when awake, just like Felix, too. Maybe a bit gentler, though, which could be because it's a lot roomier in there after Felix stretched it out. :o)

We've had some fun lately, going to a Brewers game last weekend with family on one of the hottest days we've had this spring. Thankfully, we were well hydrated and sunscreened. Felix has sure grown big since the last time we were at a Brewers game, which was 2 years ago (see below). I think he also had more fun this time around, dumping water on our feet at the tailgate, playing in the mister, and cheering like crazy when everyone else did.

Felix is busy being Felix. He loves to sing and makes up little songs quite often. He likes to nuzzle noses. He's still is obsessed with putting out fires, though that's taken a slightly disturbing turn: He watched a Ghostrider trailer with Nick, who explained away the head-on-fire thing by saying that the man has special powers and it doesn't hurt him. Now I've had my head on fire several times, but "it doesn't hurt." He's also taken to saying "What the hell/heck?" Argh. On the flip side, we're starting to get through to him about not interrupting when we're speaking, and if he wants to speak, to say "Excuse me." Very cute, as is when he says "Yes, indeed." Now if only I could report a breakthrough on the potty-training front. Double argh.

Side note: I found out I passed the Professional Engineers exam, so I officially have letters after my name and can get sued. Considering that unlike the vast majority of civil engineers taking this exam, I did not have the basic undergrad courses they took, I was a bit at a disadvantage. But I studied for six freakin' months, and passed! I figured I would give it one shot to see if I could do it. Guess I could. :o)

Felix: 2.5 yrs

Lovely May (23)

We're a little over halfway through the month, and what an interesting one it's been so far. I tagged along with Felix's day care trip to the zoo on May 2nd. It was quite fun seeing the reactions of six little nearly-3-year-olds to all the animals.

I turned *mumble* on May 8th, and that ended up being an interesting day. Felix acted up at day care (throwing a wooden chair! Egads!), so I had to pick him up early. A combination of factors led to me crying when I got there. Not my finest moment. Shortly after, we had a visit from Nick's family and went out for a nice dinner. The day was definitely a little... off.

Things have turned around for Felix in a very positive way. The next day after his outburst, he was moved out of his classroom and up to the next one with the bigger kids. Most of the kids he's with now are 4 or about to be. He's no longer the big fish, and I think that the new environment and challenges are good for him. I'm hoping he takes note of what the big kids do and gets potty trained quickly. He hasn't had a rough day since. Yay!

We had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. My folks came down to celebrate my birthday and the day. We had a nice cookout on Saturday, then went out for an atypical Mother's Day lunch at State Street Brats. The weather was so nice, we headed down to the Memorial Terrace to see the blue chairs, eat some ice cream, and enjoy the day.

We've had a few nice thunderstorms, much to Felix's chagrin. I've been trying to explain what thunder and lightning really are, so that he's less afraid of the thunder (though he's gotten that if you hear thunder, you must come inside immediately). Any rumbling noise around the house becomes thunder in his mind. Thankfully, he's not cowering from it, but he doesn't like it. He's said a few times that when he's driving a semi in a thunderstorm, he'll honk his horn and make it go away.

He's developed an obsession with putting out fires (from the fire station visit and playing the fire engine mini-games on Grand Theft Auto with Nick [yeah...]). He plays pretend with his Hot Wheels that one car is blowing up, then the fire engine comes and puts it out. He pretends water bottles or empty cups are fire hoses and makes water noises. I have often been told that I'm on fire and need to be put out. I'm not sure if this is usual, but I enjoy how involved he gets in his play.

His imagination is making itself known at night, unfortunately. He's back to rarely sleeping through the night. He wakes up crying, but isn't coherant enough to tell us why he's crying. We just comfort him, tell him everything is okay, and banish the monsters and spiders and dinosaurs once again. When I'm the one putting him to bed, he asks me to lay with him and protect him. Aw.

Felix is showing some interesting fickle tendencies. One day, he'll declare that he no longer likes onions, mushrooms, or peppers. The next day, he'll eat them all up (knowing full well what he's eating). We're playing along as best we can. He is, however, very good at sharing. He will often insist on giving us each a small bite of what he's eating for a snack.

Now, on to the littlest member of our family. Other than a scare I had early last weekend, things are going well. Suffice it to say that I learned my lesson and will not be lifting anything heavy that could result in abdominal muscle strains and worse. While active, this baby doesn't make me feel like I've turned into a rock tumbler like Felix did. Maybe we'll end up with a low-key little one... or maybe not. I've taken to walking every day at work, and that's helped to keep my energy levels up and keeping myself in shape.

Felix: 2.5 yrs